A stunning Ashley Judd, dressed in a voluminous ballet pink lace gown by Dolce & Gabbana was the main attraction at the Kentucky Bluegrass Ball last night.  Held at the Marriott Wardman Hotel in Adams Morgan, the inauguration ball showcased the best of Kentucky, especially their bourbons.  Judd, when introduced to the crowd, hinted at running for Senate.  Though she said she needed to clear it with her family before making a final decision.

Also in attendance was Miss Kentucky, Jessica Casebolt, who sang the national anthem; former Kentucky First Lady Phyllis George and her daughter, ABC7/WJLA-TV reporter Pamela Brown served as mistresses of ceremonies for the event.  In Kentucky style, the event kicked off with a bourbon tasting that included distilleries like Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark, Bullet, Four Rose Bourbon, Jim Beam, Wild Turkey and Heaven Hill Distilleries.

Celebrity chef Edward Lee, owner of 610 Magnolia in Louisville, designed the lavish menu that included crab cakes, Pimento Cheese dip, Henry Bibb salad with roasted grapes, braised and fried boneless beef short ribs with bourbon BBQ glaze, soft grits and roasted mushrooms.  For dessert, guests sunk their teeth into cheese pie with caramlized pineapple chutney, buttermilk whipped cream and a drizzle of sweet sorghum syrup.

Ashley Judd in her pink strapless Dolce & Gabbana lace gown at the Kentucky Bluegrass Ball.

Miss Kentucky Jessica Casebolt shows some leg in a Kentucky blue sequined gown.  We loved her shoes.  One thing we wanted to know from her was how all the Kentucky girls have such nice hair and what their secret to those perfect curls were….stay tuned.

Initial Outfitters’ Laura Swanström Reece dazzled in a strapless Carolina Herrera dress she scored on Gilt Groupe.

Kentuckians we had a great time meeting include Broadway actor Louis Levy and his wife Wilma Probst Levy and attorney Carl J. Bensinger.

PrevNextShow thumbnailsHide thumbnails

• 1
• 2

left

right

IMG_6846

Kentucky Bluegrass Ball

Ashley Judd

Kentucky Bluegrass Ball

Miss Kentucky

Kentucky Bluegrass Ball

IMG_6829

Kentucky Bluegrass Ball

IMG_6837

Kentucky Bluegrass Ball

Laura Swanström Reece

Kentucky Bluegrass Ball

IMG_6828

Kentucky Bluegrass Ball

IMG_6825

Kentucky Bluegrass Ball

IMG_6824

Kentucky Bluegrass Ball